System and method for characterization of purchasable and recordable media (PRM)

ABSTRACT

A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/896,390, filed on Jun. 29, 2001, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of television systems,and more particularly, to the field of interactive television.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the recent advent of digital transmission technology, subscribernetwork television systems are now capable of providing many otherservices in addition to traditional analog broadcast video. For example,two-way and advanced one-way communications between a subscriber and asubscriber network system headend are now possible. The homecommunication terminal (“HCT”), also known as the set-top box, hasbecome an important computing device for accessing video services andnavigating a subscriber through a maze of services available. Inaddition to supporting traditional analog broadcast video andfunctionality, digital HCTs (or “DHCTs”) now also support an increasingnumber of enhanced video services that are made available throughdigital transmission technology.

Interactive television is an enhanced video technology enabled bytwo-way communication between a subscriber and a subscriber networksystem headend that is made possible by digital transmission technologyand consists of such enhanced services as video-on-demand (“VOD”). Inthe digital transmission infrastructure that is utilized for interactivetelevision, VOD service requires the exclusive or substantiallyexclusive use of bandwidth capacity, and thus, a portion of theinfrastructure serves as the VOD infrastructure. Multiple SystemOperators (“MSOs”) invests millions of dollars in the construction andmaintenance of VOD infrastructures to insure that there is sufficientbandwidth capacity available for VOD service. Thus, there is a need toefficiently utilize the VOD infrastructure to generate revenue.

There are other electronic communications systems that have been usedfor the sale and delivery of audio, video, and other products that canbe transmitted electronically. For example, one may be able to purchasean audio product on the Internet and then download it to a personalcomputer for future use. The application of electronic communicationssystems for the sale and delivery of applicable products can offeradvantages over more conventional product sales and delivery systemssuch as phone ordering with parcel delivery. For example, advantages maybe offered such as the lower cost of product delivery or the savings ofnot requiring inventory, floor space, and retail employees. But, thepresent electronic communications sales and delivery systems are subjectto problems with management of media content.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to addressthe aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention may be viewed as,among other things, a recordable media content archiving system in asubscriber network. The recordable media content archiving systemcomprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable mediacontent characterizing information, a storage device for storing aplurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with thememory to receive the recordable media content characterizinginformation into the memory, wherein the processor is further configuredto provide a user interface for the recordable media content archivingsystem.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to onewith skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings anddetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, and emphasis is instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiments of theinvention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example Digital Broadband DeliverySystem (DBDS), in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of types of input and output channelsto a DHCT supported by the example DBDS of FIG. 1, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the example headend depicted in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the example DHCT depicted in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a screen diagram of an example archive main screenillustrating the archiving features for a first downloaded movie, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a screen diagram of an example archive main screenillustrating the archiving features for downloaded music, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example remote control device forproviding input to the DHCT depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a screen diagram of an example archive main screen responsiveto user input in the example archiving screen in FIG. 6, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a screen diagram of an example archive main screenillustrating the archiving features for a second downloaded movie, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a screen diagram of an example archive main screen responsiveto user input in the example archiving screen in FIG. 9, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen diagram of an example archive information screeninvoked from the example archive main screen depicted in FIG. 10, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a screen diagram of an example archive edit screen invokedfrom the example archive information screen depicted in FIG. 11, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a screen diagram of an example archive edit screen resultingfrom user input in the example archive edit screen depicted in FIG. 12,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a screen diagram of an example archive search screen invokedfrom the example archive edit screen depicted in FIG. 13, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustration of sub-schedules invoked by thehead end depicted in FIG. 3 for allocating bandwidth for downloadingrecordable media content content, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustration of the sub-schedule plan forimplementing the sub-schedules depicted in FIG. 15 on a monthly, weekly,and daily basis, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a screen diagram of an example IPG screen for accessingpurchasable recordable media content, in accordance with one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 18 is a screen diagram of an example IPG screen for accessing aservice guide.

FIG. 19 is a screen diagram of an example service guide for accessingpurchasable recordable media content, in accordance with one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 20 is a screen diagram of an alternate embodiment of an exampleservice guide for providing notice to the user that purchasablerecordable media content is available, in accordance with one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 21 is a screen diagram of an example video on demand catalog screenfor enabling a user to choose purchasable recordable media content aspart of a video on demand selection session, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content as part of a video on demandselection session, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content, displaying a different downloadoption from the option presented in the example purchasing screen ofFIG. 22, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content, displaying a different contentquality option from the option presented in the example purchasingscreen of FIG. 23, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content, displaying a different downloadoption from the option presented in the example purchasing screen ofFIG. 24, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content, displaying a different downloadoption from the option presented in the example purchasing screen ofFIG. 25, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a screen diagram of an example purchasing screen forpurchasable recordable media content, displaying a trial purchaseoption, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a screen diagram of depicting an example PIN entry windowthat is presented to the user after the user selects a download andcontent quality selection in FIG. 26, in accordance with one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 29 is a screen diagram of an example screen display denying theuser from purchasing content.

FIG. 30 is a screen diagram of an example acknowledgement screen displaypresented to the user upon confirming that a purchase is authorized.

FIG. 31 is a screen diagram of an example screen display presented tothe user when a selected purchase is unavailable, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all “examples” givenherein are intended to be non-limiting.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention is generallyimplemented as part of a subscriber network television system, such asfor a non-limiting example, a digital broadband delivery system (DBDS)or a cable television system (CTS). Hence, an illustrative DBDS and itsoperation will be described initially. Other conventional data deliverysystems are also included within the scope of the present invention.FIG. 1 shows a block diagram view of a DBDS 10, which is generally ahigh quality, reliable and integrated network system that is preferablycapable of delivering video, audio, voice and data services to clientdevices, such as a digital home communication terminal devices (DHCTs)16. Although FIG. 1 depicts a high level view of a DBDS 10, it should beappreciated that a plurality of DBDS systems can tie together aplurality of regional networks into an integrated global network so thatDHCT users can receive media content provided from anywhere in theworld.

The DBDS 10 preferably delivers broadcast video signals as digitallyformatted signals in addition to delivering traditional broadcast analogvideo signals. Furthermore, the system can preferably support one waybroadcast services as well as both one-way data services and two-waymedia and data services. The two-way operation of the network preferablyallows for user interactivity with services, such as Pay-Per-Viewprogramming, Near Video-On-Demand (NVOD) programming according to any ofseveral known NVOD implementation methods, View-on-Demand (VOD)programming (according to any of several VOD implementation methods),and interactive applications, such as Internet connections.

The DBDS 10 also provides the interfaces, network control, transportcontrol, session control, and servers to access media content from mediaservices, and distributes media content to DHCT users. Note that theterm media content will be understood to mean the content stored anddelivered throughout the DBDS 10, such as movies, software, music, etc.When it is helpful to discuss each individual movie or program, etc.(i.e. media content in the singular), the term media content instance orthe like will be used. The title of that media content instance will bereferred to as a media content title. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical DBDS10 comprises a head end 11, hubs 12, an HFC access network 17, and DHCTs16. It should be appreciated that although a single component (e.g. ahead end) is illustrated in FIG. 1, a DBDS 10 can feature a plurality ofany one of the illustrated components or may be configured withalternative embodiments for any one of the individual components or withyet other additional components not enumerated above. Media contentprovided by one or more content providers, such as content provider 5,is communicated by the content providers to one or more head ends 11.From those head ends 11 the content is then communicated over acommunications network 18 that includes a plurality of HFC accessnetworks 17 (only one HFC access network 17 is illustrated). The HFCaccess network 17 preferably comprises a plurality of HFC nodes 13, eachof which may serve a local geographical area. The hub 12 connects to theHFC node 13 through a fiber portion of the HFC access network 17. TheHFC node 13 is connected to a tap 14 which, in one implementation, isconnected to a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) 16. In otherimplementations, the tap 14 is connected to a network interface unit(NIU) 15 which is connected to a digital home communication terminal(DHCT) 16. The NIU 15 is normally located at the property of a user andprovides a transparent interface between the HFC node 13 and the users'internal wiring. Coaxial cables are typically used to couple nodes 13,taps 14 and NIUs 15 because the electrical signals can be easilyrepeated with radio frequency (RF) amplifiers. As the high-leveloperations of many of the functions of a DBDS 10 are well known to thoseof skill in the art, further high level description of the overall DBDS10 of FIG. 1 will not be contained herein. It will be appreciated,however, that the DBDS 10 shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative andshould not be construed as implying any limitations upon the scope ofthe embodiments of the invention. For instance, subscriber networktelevision systems also included within the scope of the embodiments ofthe invention include systems not utilizing physical structured cablingfor transmission, such as, but not limited to, satellite systems.Further, transmission media included within the scope of the embodimentsof the invention include, but are not limited to, HFC, optical,satellite, RF, FM, and microwave. Further, data provided from the headend 11 to the DHCTs 16 and programming necessary to perform thefunctions discussed below will be understood to be present in the DBDS10, in accordance with the description below.

FIG. 2 shows one implementation of transmission channels supported bythe DBDS 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, as delivered by the head end 11 andreceived as input channels by the DHCT 16. Although one DHCT 16 and onehead end 11 are illustrated, it is understood by those having ordinaryskill in the art that more than one of each may be included in asubscriber network television system. As indicated in FIG. 2, thesubscriber network television system can simultaneously support a numberof transport channel types and modulation formats. The ability to carryanalog and digital signals over a large bandwidth are characteristics ofa hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) network typically employed in a subscribernetwork television system. As will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art, analog and digital signals in HFC networks can bemultiplexed using, in one implementation, frequency divisionmultiplexing (FDM), which enables many different types of signals to betransmitted over the subscriber network television system to the DHCT16. In one typical implementation, a subscriber network televisionsystem using HFC supports downstream (i.e. in the direction from thehead end 11 to the DHCT 16) frequencies from 50 MHz to 870 MHz, whereasupstream frequencies (i.e. in the direction from the DHCT to higherlevels of the system) are in the 5 MHz to 42 MHz band. Generally, the RFchannel bandwidth spacing for analog and digital services is 6 MHz.Furthermore, for a typical 870 MHz system in the U.S., a possibledownstream RF spectrum subdivision plan uses 6 MHz spaced RF channelswithin the 50 MHz to 550 MHz band for analog video carriers and withinthe 550 MHz to 870 MHz range for digital carriers.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the downstream direction channels, havingbeen multiplexed preferably using frequency division multiplexing (FDM),and often referred to as in band channels, include Analog TransmissionChannels (ATCs) 210 and Digital Transmission Channels (DTCs) 250. Thesechannels carry video, audio, and data services. For example, thesechannels can carry television signals, Internet data, or any additionaltypes of data, such as Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data. The signalsand data carried on these channels are provided through software,collectively referred to herein as services, as further defined below.The ATCs 210 are typically broadcast in 6 MHz channels having an analogbroadcast composed of analog video and analog audio, and includeBroadcast TV Systems Committee (BTSC) stereo and Secondary Audio Program(SAP) audio.

Like the ATCs 210, the DTCs 250 each occupy 6 MHz of the RF spectrum.However, the DTCs 250 are preferably digital channels consisting of 64-or 256-Quadrature Amplitude Modulated (QAM) digital signals formatted asMPEG-2 transport streams, allocated in a separate frequency range. TheMPEG-2 transport stream enables transmission of a plurality of DTCchannel types over each 6 MHz RF channel, as compared to a 6 MHz ATC210. Three types of digital transport channels 250 illustrated in FIG. 2include broadcast digital transmission channels 220, carousel digitaltransmission channels 230, and on-demand transmission channels 240.MPEG-2 transport may be used to multiplex video, audio, and data in eachof these digital transmission channels (DTCs) 220. However, becauseMPEG-2 transport streams multiplex video, audio, and data to be placedin the same stream, the DTCs 250 do not necessarily have to be allocatedin separate 6 MHz RF frequencies, unlike the ATCs 210.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the broadcast DTCs 220 and carousel DTCs 230preferably function as continuous feeds for indefinite time, whereas theon demand DTCs 240 are continuous feed sessions for a limited time.Preferably, all DTCs 250 are capable of being transmitted at high datarates. The broadcast DTCs 220 preferably carry data comprising multipledigitally compressed and formatted as MPEG-2, TV channels and othercontinuously fed data information. The carousel DTCs 230 carry broadcastdata, such as EPG data and data for a catalog of recordable mediacontent, that is systematically broadcast in a cycling fashion butupdated and revised as need be. Thus, the carousel DTCs 230 can serve tocarry high volume data, such as EPG data and purchasable recordablemedia (PRM) catalog data, as well as other data at high data rates. Thecarousel DTCs 230 preferably carry data formatted in directories andfiles by a Broadcast File System (BFS), which is used for producing andtransmitting data streams throughout the subscriber network televisionsystem, and which provides an efficient method for delivery ofapplication executables and application data to the DHCT 16. The ondemand DTCs 240 can carry particular information, such as compressedvideo and audio pertaining to subscriber requested video services orrecordable media content, as well as other specialized data information.Each carousel DTC 230 and on demand DTC 240 is defined by a sessionmanaged by a session manager 334 in FIG. 3, via an MPEG-2 DigitalStorage Media-Command and Control (DSM-CC) protocol.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is an Out-Of-Band (OOB) channel 251 that provides acontinuously available two-way signaling path to the DHCT 16 regardlessof which in-band channels are tuned to by an individual DHCT 16 in-bandtuner. The DHCT 16 may also comprise multiple in-band tuners in whichcase the OOB channel 251 complements the service of the set of in-bandtuners. The OOB channel 251 consists of a forward data channel (FDC) anda reverse data channel (RDC). The OOB channel 251 can comply to any oneof a number of well known transport protocols but preferably complies toeither a DAVIC 1.1 Transport Protocol with FDC of 1.544 MBps or moreusing Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK) modulation and an RDC of1.544 Mbps or more using QPSK modulation, or to a DOCSIS TransportProtocol with FDC of 27 Mbps using 64-QAM modulation and a RDC of 1.544Mbps or more using QPSK modulation or 16-QAM modulation. The OOB channel251 provides the two-way operation of the network, which allows asubscriber interactivity with the services provided by the network.Therefore, the DHCT 16 preferably contains functionality similar to anetworked computer (i.e., a computer without a persistent storagedevice) in addition to traditional set top box functionality, as is wellknown in the art. Furthermore, the OOB channel 251 is not limited to a 6MHz spectrum, but generally to a smaller spectrum, such as 1.5 or 3 MHz,in one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the example headend 11 depicted in FIG. 1,as configured in a subscriber network television system, to providepurchasable and recordable media (PRM) content services, either as anon-demand or scheduled service with a plurality of possible deliverydurations. It will be understood that the headend 11 shown in FIG. 2 ismerely illustrative and should not be construed as implying anylimitations upon the scope of the preferred embodiments of theinvention. In the system headend 11, a PRM application server 319 and aplurality of other application servers (not shown) are connected to adigital network control system (DNCS) 323 via an Ethernet connection332. The PRM application server 319 preferably is responsible for thefollowing: reserving and configuring system resources needed to providePRM services, for packaging, configuring and making available theexecutable software program comprising a PRM application client 477(FIG. 4), for providing configuration and service data (such as acatalog of recordable media content categorized and displayed by titlesavailable for rent and/or purchase) to PRM application clients 477 (FIG.4), and for storing data at the request of a PRM application client 477.A PRM application client 477 executing on processor 444 (FIG. 4) in DHCT16 generates a user interface that is displayed on television 441 (FIG.4) for the subscriber to browse, purchase, and access media content suchas movies, CDs, video clips, etc. This may require, among other things,engaging, preferably, in a direct two-way IP (Internet Protocol)connection with VOD content servers 322.

The DNCS 323 provides management, monitoring, and control of the DBDS 10(FIG. 1) network elements and broadcast services provided to users. TheDNCS 323 provides control and communication functionality by monitoringthe DHCTs 16 and facilitating messaging between the DHCTs 16 andcomponents within the headend 11. When any of the communicationfunctionality is provided by headend 11 components other than the DNCS323, the DNCS 323 indirectly provides similar functionality by providingthe control and coordination to those other devices that provide therequired communication functionality to enact a particular mediaservice.

In one implementation, the DNCS 323 includes functional support forclient-server applications and other components in the DBDS 10 (FIG. 1)with its server counterparts, including BFS Server 328 and SAM server325, which will be described in greater detail below. Briefly, theclient-server application counterparts work in coordination with DNCS323 to effectively utilize the primary features of the interactivetelevision system and manage the sale and delivery of audio, video,software, and other media content. Furthermore, the client-serverapplication software in communication with DNCS 323 can effectivelyredirect allocation of excess VOD infrastructure capacity to facilitatemaximum rate delivery of (PRM) content and also manages impulse purchaseand trial purchase transactions, in cooperation with the PRM applicationclient 477 (FIG. 4). Also, in one implementation, the DNCS 323 uses adata insertion multiplexor 329 and a data QAM 330 to insert the in-bandbroadcast file system (BFS) data into a compressed data stream, forexample, an MPEG-2 transport stream.

The DNCS 323 includes a session manager 334 and a conditional accesssystem 370. The session manager 334 preferably uses the MPEG-2 DSM-CCprotocol to coordinate requests for media content, for example, PRMcontent. The session manager 334 processes user to network (U-N) sessionsignaling messages, manages allocation of session-related networkresources and supports network management operations. The sessionmanager 334 supports exclusive services, such as the PRM service, byproviding the signaling interface to establish, maintain, and releaseclient initiated exclusive sessions. The session manager 334 acts as apoint of contact to the network for the DHCT 16 in the network 18 toestablish individual sessions. The session manager 334 also defines aresource descriptor structure, which is used to request the networkresources within a session.

The conditional access system 370 communicates with the DHCT 16 and thebilling system 320 to determine whether a particular subscriber isauthorized to receive PRM content. If a DHCT 16 is not authorized forPRM service, the conditional access system 370 insures that suchservices are not transmitted.

The PRM application server 319 communicates via the Ethernet connection332 to a service application manager (SAM) server 325 contained on theDNCS 323. Service application manager (SAM) server 325 is a servercomponent of a client-server pair of components, with the clientcomponent being located at the DHCT 16. Together, the client-server SAMcomponents provide a system in which the user can access services, whichare identified by an application to run and one or more parameters, suchas particular data content, specific to that service. The SAM server 325also manages the life cycle of the applications on the system, includingthe definition, activation, and suspension of services they provide andthe downloading of the applications into the DHCT 16 as necessary. ThePRM application server 319 defines its application to the SAM server 325and the SAM server 325 instructs the BFS server 328 to add theexecutable code for the PRM application client 477 (FIG. 4) to acarousel (not shown) for distribution to the various DHCTs 16 in thenetwork 18. In other embodiments, executable code is not transferred,but instead, functionality is effected through other mechanisms.

The BFS server 328 is a part of a broadcast file system that has a BFSclient 443 (FIG. 4) in each DHCT 16 in the network 18. Applications onboth the headend 11 and the DHCT 16 can access the data stored in theBFS server 328 in a similar manner to a file system found on discoperating systems. The BFS server 328 loads data for applications on acarousel (not shown) that sends data in a cyclical repeated fashion,each cycle approximately the same period of time so that the DHCT 16that communicates a request for any particular data may receive it whenthe user desires the data. Thus, the BFS client 443 (FIG. 4) containedin the DHCT 16 that receives the broadcast from the BFS server 328 canimplement the application for the user, as will be described in greaterdetail below.

PRM content or data can reside in the PRM application server 319, in theVOD content server 322, or in other application servers (not shown). Thecontent manager 321 and VOD content servers 322 deliver MPEG-2 contentto a group of QAM modulators 324. PRM content can reside in VOD contentservers 322 as a movie, as an audio program, or as an MPEG-2 privatedata program. The content manager 321 is responsible for managing thecontent on the VOD content servers 322 and on other servers such as PRMapplication server 319 or other application servers (not shown). The PRMapplication server 319 utilizes the content manager 321 and VOD contentservers 322 to deliver the data, video and/or audio streams that make upthe PRM services. The PRM application server 319 is also responsible forcontrolling the content manager 321 and VOD content servers 322. The QAMgroup 324 is actually a multiplex of QAMs that support PRM contenttransmission to a particular DHCT 16. The session manager 334 in DNCS323 determines which QAM modulator has access to a particular DHCT 16.The QAM modulators 324 are also responsible for encrypting the transportstream and inserting other data and information into the stream, as willbe described in more detail below. The QAM modulators 324 receive theMPEG-2 transport stream from the VOD content servers 222 and convert itto an encrypted RF signal at a specified frequency (channel).

In one embodiment of the invention, content manager 321 fulfillsmanagement of VOD content and PRM content. In an alternate embodiment,content manager 321 is comprised of two entities, a first contentmanager dedicated to VOD content management and a second managerdedicated to PRM content management.

A Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK) modem 326 is responsible fortransporting the out-of-band IP (Internet protocol) datagram trafficbetween the distribution headend 11 and a DHCT 16. Data from the QPSKmodem 326 is routed by headend router 327 within the headend 11. Theheadend router 327 is also responsible for delivering upstreamapplication traffic, such as a user requests for PRM content, to thevarious application servers, such as, for example, PRM applicationserver 319.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a DHCT 16 that is coupled to aheadend 11 and to a television 441. It will be understood that the DHCT16 shown in FIG. 3 is merely illustrative and should not be construed asimplying any limitations upon the scope of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention. Some of the functionality performed by applicationsexecuted in the DHCT 16 (for example, the PRM client application 477)may instead be performed at the headend 11 and vice versa, in someembodiments. A DHCT 16 is typically situated at the residence of a useror place of business and may be a stand-alone unit or integrated intoanother device such as, for example, a television set or a personalcomputer or an audio device, such as, for example, a programmable radio.The DHCT 16 preferably includes a communications interface 442 forreceiving signals (video, audio and/or other data) from the headend 11through the network 18 and for providing any reverse information to theheadend 11 through the network 18.

The DHCT 16 preferably includes at least one processor 444 forcontrolling operations of the DHCT 16, an output system 448 for drivingthe television display 441, and at least one tuner system 445 for tuninginto a particular television channel to be displayed and for sending andreceiving various types of data or media content to and from the headend11. The tuner system 445 includes, in one implementation, an out-of-bandtuner and upstream transmitter for bi-directional QPSK datacommunication and a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) tuner(in-band) for receiving television signals. It should be appreciatedthat the OOB tuner and upstream transmitter can be one component, or inother embodiments, the tuner and transmitter can be independent of eachother and located separately within the DHCT 16. The OOB tuner andupstream transmitter enables the DHCT 16 to interface with a subscribernetwork television system so that the DHCT 16 can provide upstream datato the network, for example, via a QPSK channel that serves as anupstream OOB channel and received by a QPSK receiver in QPSK modem 326in headend 11. In this manner, a subscriber can interact with thesubscriber network television system to request services or the data ofservices such as, for example, PRM content. Alternatively, the upstreamdata transmission can be effected via a QAM channel with a QAMtransmitter in DHCT 16 and a QAM receiver in headend 11. Alternatively,a telephone modem in the DHCT 16 can be utilized for upstream datatransmission. Further, a headend 11 or hub 12 or other component locatedupstream in the subscriber network television system may receive datafrom a telephone network coupled to a telephone modem and can route theupstream data to a destination internal or external to the subscribernetwork television system.

The DHCT 16 preferably includes a demultiplexing system 443 comprisingfunctionality for QAM demodulation, forward error correction (FEC),transport demultiplexing, decryption (via decryptor 588), and parsing,as is well known in the art, to counter the effect of signal processingof broadcast media content and data in the subscriber network televisionsystem. Transport demultiplexing preferably includes MPEG-2 transportdemultiplexing. The demultiplexing system 443 in communication withcommunication interface 442, tuner system 445 and processor 444 effectsreception of compressed video streams, compressed audio streams, andcompressed data streams corresponding to a selected program to beseparated from other programs and/or streams transported in the tunedtransmission channel and to be eventually stored in secondary storagedevice 414 (FIG. 4) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,as will be described in greater detail below.

Additionally, a receiver 446 receives externally generated information,such as user inputs or commands from other devices. The DHCT 16 may alsoinclude one or more wireless or wired interfaces, also calledcommunication ports 474 and 475, for receiving and/or transmitting datato other devices. For example, the DHCT 16 may feature USB (UniversalSerial Bus), Ethernet (for connection to a computer), IEEE-1394 (forconnection to media devices in an entertainment center), serial, and/orparallel ports. The user inputs may be, for example, provided by acomputer or transmitter with buttons or keys located either on theexterior of the terminal or by a hand-held remote control device orkeyboard that includes user-actuated buttons, or the user inputs may beaural.

In one implementation, the DHCT 16 includes system memory 449, whichincludes FLASH memory 451 and dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 452,for storing various applications, modules and data for execution and useby the processor 444. Basic functionality of the DHCT 16 is provided byan operating system 453 that is primarily stored in FLASH memory 451.Among other elements, the operating system 453 includes at least oneresource manager 467 that provides an interface to resources of the DHCT16 such as, for example, computing resources. An application referred toas a navigator 455 is also resident in FLASH memory 451 for providing anavigation framework for services provided by the DHCT 16. The navigator455 registers for and in some cases reserves certain user inputs relatedto navigational keys such as channel increment/decrement, last channel,favorite channel, etc. The navigator 455 also provides users withtelevision related menu options that correspond to DHCT 16 functionssuch as, for example, blocking a channel or a group of channels frombeing displayed in a channel menu.

The FLASH memory 451 also contains a platform library 456. The platformlibrary 456 is a collection of utilities useful to applications, such asa timer manager, a compression manager, a configuration manager, an HTMLparser, a database manager, a widget toolkit, a string manager, andother utilities (not shown). These utilities are accessed byapplications via application programming interfaces (APIs) as necessaryso that each application does not have to contain these utilities. Twocomponents of the platform library 456 that are shown in FIG. 4 are awindow manager 459 and a service application manager client (SAM) 457.

The window manager 459 provides a mechanism for implementing the sharingof the screen regions and user input. The window manager 459 in the DHCT16 is responsible for, as directed by one or more applications,implementing the creation, display, and de-allocation of the limitedDHCT 16 screen display resources. It allows multiple applications toshare the screen by assigning ownership of screen regions, or windows.The window manager 459 also maintains, among other things, a user inputregistry 450 in DRAM 452. When a user enters a key or a command via theremote control device 480 or another input device such as a keyboard ormouse, the user input registry 450 is accessed to determine which ofvarious applications running on the DHCT 16 should receive datacorresponding to the input key and in which order. As an application isexecuted, it registers a request to receive certain user input keys orcommands. When the user presses a key corresponding to one of thecommands on the remote control device 480, the command is received bythe receiver 446 and relayed to the processor 444. The processor 444dispatches the event to the operating system 453 where it is forwardedto the window manager 459 which ultimately accesses the user inputregistry 450 and routes data corresponding to the incoming command tothe appropriate application.

The Client SAM 457 is a client component of a client-server pair ofcomponents, with the server component being located on the headend 11preferably in DNCS 323. A SAM database 460 (i.e. structured data such asa database or data structure) in DRAM 452 includes a data structure ofservices and a data structure of channels that are created and updatedby the headend 11. Herein, database will refer to a database, structureddata or other data structures as is well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Many services can be defined using the sameapplication component, with different parameters. Examples of servicesinclude, without limitation and in accordance with one implementation,presenting television programs (available through a WatchTV application462), pay-per-view events (available through a PPV application 464),digital music (478), video-on-demand (available through an VODapplication 463), purchasable recordable media (PRM) services (via PRMapplication client 477), and an interactive program guide (availablethrough IPG application 377). In general, the identification of aservice includes the identification of an executable application thatprovides the service along with a set of application-dependentparameters that indicate to the application the service to be provided.For example, a service of presenting a television program could beexecuted by WatchTV application 462 with a set of parameters specifyingthe HBO to view HBO or with a separate set of parameters to view CNN.Each association of the application component (tune video) and oneparameter component (HBO or CNN) represents a particular service thathas a unique service I.D. The Client SAM 457 also interfaces with theresource manager 467, as discussed below, to control resources of theDHCT 16.

The PRM client application 477 preferably is downloaded into DRAM 452from the head end 11. Alternatively, the PRM client application 477 maybe resident in FLASH memory 451. Similar to an EPG application (notshown) that has an EPG database of records in which program informationis supported by client-server EPG counterparts, the PRM clientapplication 477 employs a first PRM database 481 of records thatcomprises information pertaining to PRM content for presentation to asubscriber. The first PRM database 481 contains sufficient informationfor the presentation of available PRM content at the current time andfor subsequent periods. The PRM application server 319, in communicationwith PRM application client 477, effects updates to the first PRMdatabase 481 stored in memory 449 or in a storage device (such asstorage device 413) of DHCT 16. PRM application client 477 reads firstPRM database 481 records and processes them into a displayablerepresentation as part of a GUI presentation displayed on a television441 or similar display device for presentation to a subscriber.

PRM content information associated with PRM content is transmitted on aregular or periodic basis from PRM application server 319 (FIG. 3) toone or more DHCTs 16. PRM content information may comprise descriptiveinformation to populate the entries of a PRM guide, a service guide, oran EPG presentation with the corresponding PRM fields that are presentedto the subscriber via a Graphical-User-Interface (GUI) from which asubscriber can select and request additional descriptive informationabout respective PRM content. Hence, per PRM content in the displayedpresentation to the subscriber, the subscriber can retrieve and view(and hear if applicable) information specific to a PRM content title andproceed to purchase specific PRM content (i.e. one or more PRM contentinstances), as will be described in greater detail below. PRM contentinformation comprises data organized into records of the first PRMdatabase 481 with record fields containing, but not limited to,information such as PRM content title, PRM content description, PRMgenre, release year, casts or performers list, ratings information, andplay duration for each PRM content instance.

Application clients can also be downloaded into DRAM 452 at the requestof the Client SAM 457, preferably in response to a request by the useror in response to a message from the headend 11. In one implementation,DRAM 452 contains a video-on-demand application (VOD) 463, an e-mailapplication 476, a PRM application 477, and a web browser application475, among others. It should be clear to one with ordinary skill in theart that these applications are not limiting and merely serve asexamples for one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, one or moreDRAM based applications may, as an alternative embodiment, be residentin FLASH memory 451. These applications, and others provided by thesubscriber network television system operator, are top level softwareentities on the network for providing services to the user.

In one implementation, applications executing on the DHCT 16 work withthe navigator 455 by abiding by several guidelines. First, anapplication utilizes the Client SAM 457 for the provision, activation,and suspension of services. Second, an application shares DHCT 16resources with other applications and abides by the resource managementpolicies of the Client SAM 457, the operating system 453, and the DHCT16. Third, an application handles situations where resources are onlyavailable with navigator 455 intervention. Fourth, when an applicationloses service authorization while providing a service, the applicationsuspends the service via the SAM (the navigator 455 will reactivate anindividual service application when it later becomes authorized).Finally, an application client is designed to not have access to certainuser input keys reserved by the navigator (i.e., power, channel +/−,volume +/−, etc.).

An executable program or algorithm corresponding to an operating system(OS) component, or to a client platform component, or to a clientapplication, or to respective parts thereof, can reside in and executeout of DRAM 452 and/or FLASH memory 451. Likewise, data input into oroutput from any executable program can reside in DRAM 452 or FLASHmemory 451. Furthermore, an executable program or algorithmcorresponding to an OS component, or to a client platform component, orto a client application, or to respective parts thereof, can reside inFLASH memory 451, or in a local storage device coupled to DHCT 16 andcan be transferred into DRAM 452 for execution. Likewise, data input foran executable program can reside in FLASH memory 451 or a storagedevice, for example storage device 413, and can be transferred into DRAM452 for use by an executable program or algorithm. In addition, dataoutput by an executable program can be written into DRAM 452 by anexecutable program or algorithm and can be transferred into FLASH memory451 or into a storage device for storage purposes.

The security processor 565 is a secure element for performing securityand conditional access related functions. More particularly, thesecurity processor 565 functions to authorize the DHCT 16 of a payingsubscriber to execute specialized functionality of the DHCT 16, such asreceiving and decrypting (or descrambling) encrypted (or scrambled)media content and other data sent from a remote device. Securityprocessor 565 preferably includes a microprocessor and a memory thatonly the microprocessor of the security processor 565 may access.Preferably, security processor 565 is contained in a tamper proofpackage. With reference to FIG. 3, in one implementation, encryption isapplied to the data stream of the requested media content, for examplethe respective PRM content, at the QAM group 324 at the headend 11according to encryption methods well-known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. An encryption component resident in the QAM group 324 in thehead end 11 and under the direction of the DNCS 323 encrypts, forexample, MPEG-2 transport stream packets used to transmit the PRMcontent. The encrypted PRM content also includes, in one embodiment,entitlement control messages that are recognized by the securityprocessor 565 (FIG. 4) at the DHCT 16 as information needed to decryptthe encrypted PRM content. Security processor 565 preferably storesauthorization information, wherein the authorization informationindicates that the subscriber is entitled to access the PRM content. Theauthorization information is obtained from one or more entitlementmessages sent by the head end 11 after, or concurrently with,initialization of the DHCT 16 into a purchased service. If theauthorization information indicates that the subscriber is entitled tothe PRM content, security processor 565 generates a code word or keybased on the authorization information and the received entitlementcontrol message, and the security processor 565 uses this key to decryptthe encrypted PRM content at the decryptor 588 (FIG. 4).

In one embodiment, the DHCT 16 includes a primary storage device 413 anda secondary storage device 414. The ability to record programming on theprimary storage device 413 provides a convenient method to temporarilybuffer programming to fit a viewing schedule, however, in accordancewith one embodiment, for economic reasons the systems will have alimited amount of primary storage. In one implementation, based on, forexample, existing VCR usage patterns, there will be many occasions whenthe user will want to save or archive programs on the secondary storagedevice 414 for later viewing or archive the programs for laterreference. The primary storage device 413 is preferably internal to DHCT16 and in electrical communication to an internal main bus forcommunication with other DHCT 16 elements through a data interface 412such as a SCSI or IDE interface. In other embodiments, the primarystorage device 413 can be externally connected to (and thus removablefrom) the DHCT 16 via a communication port (for example, 474 or 475)such as IEEE-1394 or USB or via a SCSI or an IDE interface. The primarystorage device 413 is preferably a hard disk drive. The primary storagedevice 413 exhibits fast seek-time and high data transfer ratesproperties and its storage medium is preferably non-removable, such asin the case of a hard disk drive. Because the amount of data in one ormore downloaded instances of PRM content typically surpasses the memoryspace allocated for application data in memory 449, and because theprimary storage device 413 features sufficiently large storage capacity,the primary storage device 413 serves, in one implementation, as a largerepository or cache for downloaded PRM content. Alternatively, memory449 may be large enough (and fast enough) to accommodate data transferswithout the need for the primary storage device 413.

In one implementation, under the auspices of the real-time operatingsystem 453 executed by processor 444, and in coordination with PRMapplication client 477, downloaded PRM content and/or data is receivedin DHCT 16 via communications interface 442 and stored in a temporarybuffer in memory 449. The temporary buffer is implemented and managed toenable data transfers from the temporary buffer to the primary storagedevice 413 in concert with the insertion of a newly arriving PRM contentinto the temporary buffer. The fast access time and high data transferrate characteristics of primary storage device 413 enables PRM contentand/or data to be read from the temporary buffer in memory 449 andwritten to the storage medium of primary storage device 413 in asufficiently fast manner. Orchestration of multiple simultaneous datatransfer operations is effected so that while content and/or data isbeing transferred from memory 449 to primary storage device 413, new PRMcontent and/or data (herein media content) is received and stored in thetemporary buffer. The coordination of data transfers and lower latencycharacteristics of primary storage device 413 enable PRM content to bereceived by DHCT 16 at high data rates. The primary storage device 413functions to store media content that is received by the DHCT 16 fromthe headend 11 on an interim basis.

For permanent or semi-permanent storage, the secondary storage device414 comprises a storage media drive, internally or externally connectedto DHCT 16 in a similar fashion as the primary storage device 413, butfeaturing at least one high-capacity removable storage medium and, inone implementation, slower seek-time and lower data transfer ratescharacteristics. The secondary storage device 414 is preferably amultiple compact disc (CD) drive or multiple digital video disc (DVD)carousel or magazine drive that at least has write capability, but mayalso have read capability among other capabilities. Alternatively, thesecondary storage device 414 may be a single CD drive or DVD drive withat least write capability, but may also have read capability among othercapabilities, or a video recorder (VCR or D-VCR) or other data recorder.Alternatively, the carousel may be a magazine type. In oneimplementation, the media content that is received and stored on theprimary storage device 413 is transferred by way of memory 449 to thesecondary storage device 414 wherein it is written to one or moreremovable media residing in the secondary storage device 414. Thetransfer of PRM content from primary storage device 413 to secondarystorage device 414 can occur concurrently to the download of therespective PRM contain in a coordinated sequential fashion or after therespective PRM content has been completely received and stored in theprimary storage device 413. In the former case a second temporary bufferin memory 449 is utilized to implement the transfer of PRM content fromthe primary storage device 413 to secondary storage device 414. Givenits faster seek time and higher data transfer rate characteristics,primary storage device 413 preferably operates faster than the secondarystorage device 414. Alternatively, PRM content is transferred frommemory 449 to the secondary storage device 414 with higher data ratetransfer characteristics, or yet in other embodiments, PRM content istransferred from a remote server or other remote device to a DHCT 16communication port and then directly to the secondary storage device414.

Also as shown in FIG. 4, the DHCT 16 preferably includes access to aprinter 458, either connected locally to the DHCT 16 or via a homecommunication network via communication port 474. In one implementation,the printer 458 prints labels to be applied to the removable media(i.e., CDs or DVDs) of the secondary storage device 414. Preferably,these labels convey, at least, verification of purchase and authenticityof the data written to the media. Thus, in one implementation, labelsare printed by the printer 458 as a result of an execution signalreceived by the printer 458 from the PRM application client 477 as aresult of an authorized purchase of PRM content in which authorizationwas granted from the head end 11. Alternatively, DHCT 16 may operatewithout the printer 458.

The PRM client application 477 configures the DHCT 16 for the download,purchase, and billing of downloaded purchasable recordable media (PRM)content, including configuring the DHCT 16 for receipt of trial andimpulse purchases of PRM content. The PRM application client 477 alsoprovides for a user interface for specification of downloading optionsin cooperation with PRM application server 319 (FIG. 3) and incooperation with other client applications, for example VOD 463 and PPV464 and Music applications (not shown). Alternatively, the userinterface may be provided from the head end 11. Regarding the billingfunctionality, after a purchase transaction has occurred and thepurchase is acknowledged, the purchase is recorded for billing purposes.In one embodiment, the PRM application client 477 configures theprocessor 444 to cause PRM purchase transactions to be stored in theFLASH memory 451 part of system memory 449 or in some other designatednon-volatile memory section of DHCT 16 as purchase transactions occur.PRM transaction records and associated fees are transmitted upstream viathe OOB upstream channel at designated scheduled times (e.g., during lowbandwidth consumption periods) to the billing system 320. Alternatively,the PRM application server 319, under the direction of the billingsystem 320, may periodically poll individual DHCTs 16 or group of DHCTsto collect their respective PRM transaction history. PRM transactionrecords received from the DHCT 16 by the PRM application server 319(FIG. 3) are debited from the respective account of the subscriber bythe billing system 320.

The PRM application 477 also has library functionality for catalogingdownloaded recordable media content. Media content informationassociated with PRM content is transmitted on a regular or periodicbasis from PRM application server 319 (FIG. 3) to one or more DHCTs 16.PRM content information may comprise descriptive information to populatethe entries of the first PRM database 481 or a service guide or thecorresponding PRM fields of an electronic program guide (EPG) that ispresented to the subscriber via a Graphical-User-Interface (GUI) fromwhich a subscriber can select and request additional descriptiveinformation about respective PRM content titles. Hence, per PRM contentinformation in the displayed presentation to the subscriber, thesubscriber can retrieve and view (and hear if applicable) informationspecific to a PRM content title and proceed to purchase specific PRMcontent, as will be described in greater detail below.

The PRM client application 477 can offer the user a plurality ofcategory choices, wherein the user may select from pre-configuredcategories from an input device such as a wired or wireless keyboard orremote control to classify downloaded PRM content into variouscategories. Alternatively, the user may enter textual information withan input device in order to create his or her own categories. Hence,downloaded PRM content can be recorded with modified or additionalcategory information. In an alternate embodiment, a user can eitherdownload from the PRM application server 319, or transfer from apersonal computer connected to a home communication network, additionalinformation such as graphical information or a still picture to beincluded with the recording of the PRM content into recordable mediainserted in secondary storage device 414. PRM client application 477functionality further includes second database 482 managementcapabilities in which records of second database 482 can be stored inmemory 449, primary storage device 413, or in a recordable disc insertedin secondary storage device 414. Management of the second database 482extends library functionality to the user for archiving PRM content aswell as non-PRM content accessible via the secondary storage device 414or a home communication network. Hence, the user is able to archivemedia content, perform searches (as extended by search capabilitiesinherent in the database management software program), and edit personalannotations such as the media content category, date recorded, etc. Inone embodiment, subscriber network programming, such as for examplecable programming, is first recorded/stored on the primary data buffer(for example, in primary storage device 413) which is indexed by contentID and record date/time information (i.e. meta data). The minimumcontent ID information collected is the originating channel number butcould include program ID (PID) or other media content and media contentdescription information. The record date/time information is simply thedate/time the recording was made and is used by the system for datamanagement/purge) and can also be used by the subscriber as one ofseveral methods to locate previously recorded media content. The mediacontent recorded in the primary buffer (for example, primary storagedevice 413) is available for viewing and disposition by the subscriber.Media content can be viewed, deleted, or spooled along with the dataaccessible by universal or widely adopted access and naming conventions(e.g., as is characteristically in meta data) to a secondary buffer (forinstance, in secondary storage device 414) for longer term storage andplayback. Media content left in the primary buffer are subject to beoverwritten by new media content. In one embodiment, the secondarybuffer is located on removable media that can be stored for futureplayback.

FIG. 5 is an example archive main screen 500 illustrating the archivingfeatures provided by the PRM application 477 (FIG. 4). Example archivemain screen 500 is preferably invoked after the user has received apurchase acknowledgement. Alternatively, example main screen may occurat the time of the download, or after the download, before or after thetransfer to the secondary storage device 414. The example archive mainscreen 500 includes a title header 501 suggesting to the user thepurpose of the screen, and a subtitle header 502 indicating whichhierarchical level of the archiving screen displays is currentlydisplayed, in this instance, a main screen 500. Example main screen 500includes an information window 510 that provides brief descriptiveinformation, such as, for example, title, rating, date of composition,length of presentation, length of download and time and date ofdownload. More or less information may be included. Example archive mainscreen 500 also includes several pre-configured lists, such as mediacontent list 524, genre/descriptive list 522, and medium list 520. Eachof these pre-configured lists includes information within a series oflist entry blocks 525. The information in these lists will preferably bedefaulted to the selection corresponding to the shown highlighted listentry block 526 of each list based on the characterizing informationcorresponding to the recordable media content selection. In oneembodiment, this characterizing information can be received from theheadend 11 to the DHCT 16 (FIG. 1) to enable the DHCT 16 to perform thearchiving functionality. In other embodiments, this characterizinginformation need not be downloaded to a DHCT 16, but instead, can remainat the headend 11 where the archiving functionality can be performed.Thus, genre/descriptive list 522 changes accordingly to the subscriberselection of a respective entry in media content list 524. For example,the genre/descriptive list 522 changes to a display corresponding togames displays upon the subscriber selecting games in media content list524. Other embodiments are possible, such as a configuration screen (notshown) wherein the user categorizes the downloaded media contentaccording to his or her own personal definitions or classifications. Asanother example, media content list 524 includes such media content asmovies, games, and software, as well as more media content options notshown. The default selection highlighted by highlighted list entry block526 corresponds to the fact that the downloaded media content is amovie, for example, Titanic. Genre/descriptive list 522 defaults to“drama” as this corresponds to the characterizing information of theTitanic, which lists the genre of Titanic as a “drama”. Although theseare default selections, the user is free to scroll the highlighted listentry block 526 of each list to enter his or her own preference for acategory. For example, despite the pre-configured genre categorizationof Titanic (e.g. drama), the user may choose to categorize Titanic as aromance, and thus advance the highlighted list entry block 526 of thegenre/descriptive list 522 to the list entry block 525 containing the“romance” selection. As with any of the lists shown and described on thecurrent and subsequent screens, the user may advance from one selectionto the next selection within a list by using the up and down arrow keysof the remote control device, as suggested by up arrow 530 and downarrow 534, as will be described in greater detail below. There are manyvariations of the scrolling function. Preferably, the user advanceshighlighted list entry block 526 in each list up or down to highlightthe list entry block 525 containing the information desired.Alternatively, the windows in each list may be advanced throughhighlighted list entry block 526. The scope of the preferred embodimentof the invention is not limited to how the user advances to each listentry block 525. The user advances from one list, for example mediacontent list 524, to another list, for example genre/descriptive list522, by using scroll arrows on the remote, as suggested by scroll arrows536. Scroll arrows 536 and 538 correspond to scroll arrows located on aremote device 480, as will be described in more detail below.

Category display 512 includes one example default format based oncharacterizing information corresponding to the purchased recordablemedia content. In this example, since Titanic is a “movie” of the“drama” genre, the category display 512 lists “drama” in an outlineformat and categorizes selections in this medium, DVD#1, as movies.Alternate formats may be displayed as well, such as personalized formatscreated by the user. The scope of the embodiments of the invention isnot limited by how data is formatted on the screen displays. Assumingthe Titanic purchase as the first purchased download by the user, thedefault will be to DVD#1. As illustrated, extended library functionalitycomprises the capability to not only to catalog media content but eachindividual medium (i.e., a CD disc or DVD disc) loaded in the carouselor magazine drive of secondary storage device 414 (FIG. 4) by the type(or category) of data stored on them. Category information may comprise,for example, types of music (such as classical, rock, or jazz), types ofmovies (such as comedy, drama, or horror), or types of software (such asgames, word processing, or utilities). Sub-categories further delineateeach category, for example, types of games. The library functionalitydetermines if the appropriate disc is loaded in the secondary storagedevice 414 (FIG. 4) or prompts the user to load the secondary storagedevice 414 with the appropriate disc for the media content type that isto be recorded. For example, if rock & roll music, transmitted from theheadend 11 to the DHCT 16, is being recorded, the library functionalitywill control the selection of the appropriate medium, for example a CDfrom the carousel or magazine of the secondary storage device 414, andload it into the drive for writing of the rock and roll music data toit, as shown in FIG. 6. As another example, if the user chooses to viewa drama movie, the library functionality will control the selection ofthe proper medium, in this case a DVD, from the carousel or magazine ofthe secondary storage device 414 and load into the drive for reading ofthe drama movie data in order to transmit it to a display device, suchas for example, a TV display 441 (FIG. 4).

In FIG. 6, the “A”, “B”, and “C” buttons on the example display screencorrespond to like buttons on the remote control device 480 to providecertain user interface functionality. For instance, “A” button 640suggests to a user that the user can request more PRM contentinformation, as will be explained in greater detail below. The “B”button 642 suggests editing and search functionality, as will bedescribed in greater detail below. Return Button “C” 644 suggests thatthe user can return to the main screen display wherein the purchase wasmade, for example a VOD catalog screen, or PPV screen. From the mainscreen display, the user can select “play” (not shown) to have thearchived PRM content of his or her choice presented. The “SEL” button632 suggests that the user can complete the archiving after making theselections in the pre-configured lists. Pressing the “SEL” button 387(FIG. 7) on the remote control device 480, as suggested by select button532 (FIG. 5), results in the example screen displayed in FIG. 8, as willbe described in greater detail below. Buttons “A”-“C” (640, 642, and 644respectively), arrow buttons 630, 634, 636 and 638, and “SEL” button 632suggest a one-to-one functional correspondence to similar buttons on aremote device, such as the example remote control device 480 illustratedin FIG. 7. With continued reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7 illustrates ablock diagram example of a remote control device 480 that is used toprovide user input to the DHCT 16. The arrow buttons 382 include an uparrow button 383, a down arrow button 384, a left arrow button 385, anda right arrow button 386 that are used to scroll through options orselections and/or to highlight an option or selection displayed on oneof the plurality of user interface screens. The select button 387 may beused to select a currently highlighted option or selection that isprovided to the user. Lettered button “A” 388, “B” 389, and “C” 390 maybe used to implement functions on a user interface screen that have thecorresponding letter. Numeric buttons 395 may be used to enter numbers,or configured with the application to enter letters corresponding to thenumeric buttons 395. In describing the example screen displays, it willbe understood that “selecting” or “pressing” the navigational andlettered buttons on the screen actually require selecting thecorresponding buttons, or keys, on remote control device 480. Manyalternative methods of providing user input may be used including aremote control device with different buttons and/or button layouts, akeyboard device, a voice activated device, etc. The embodiments of theinvention described herein are not limited by the type of device used toprovide user input.

FIG. 8 is a screen diagram that illustrates an example archive mainscreen 800 as a result of the user pressing the “SEL” button 532 in thearchive main screen 500 (FIG. 5) to enter the movie Titanic under the“drama” subcategory in medium DVD#1. As noted, Titanic is displayed incategory display 812 under the subcategory “drama” in outline format.FIG. 9 is a screen diagram that illustrates an example archive mainscreen 900 wherein the user has entered another purchase of recordablemedia content, in this case, Suzie Floosey. The PRM client application477 (FIG. 4) recognizes Suzie Floosey as an adult movie fromcorresponding characterizing information delivered to the DHCT 16, andas similarly described above, defaults to each of these categories inthe media content list 924 and genre/descriptive list 922. As DVD#1 wasused for movies by the same user, the default medium in the medium list920 is DVD#1. If the user purchasing the downloaded recordable mediacontent was a different or second user, the default will preferably beto a different medium. For example, the default medium for the seconduser may be DVD#2, assuming no prior configurations by the second user,since characterizing information corresponding to the PIN entry of theuser entered during the purchase of Suzie Floosey, as explained below,would reflect a different purchaser. Alternatively, the defaulted mediumcould be DVD#1, regardless of the purchaser, as the only DVD currentlycontaining movie content, again assuming no prior configurations formovies. Note that the discussion regarding downloading to a DVD assumesthat more than one movie may be downloaded to a DVD. In embodimentswhere the DVD allows only one movie to be downloaded, then the mediumarchiving aspect of said embodiment will select a distinct DVD perdownloaded movie. Category display 912 displays the current content onDVD#1, and automatically creates, as a default, the “adult” subcategoryto correspond with genre/descriptive list 922. As described earlier, theuser may choose to describe the genre as a “romance”, and scroll to thecorresponding selection in the genre/descriptive list 922, whereby“romance” would appear in place of “adult” in the category display 912.

Upon the user entering the select button 932, example archive mainscreen 1000 in FIG. 10 is presented, with the feature Suzie Flooseydisplayed in the category display 1012 under the “adult” subcategory,with a lock or PIN icon next to it to reflect PIN access authorizationto view this media content instance presentation. The PIN access featurewould have been determined during the purchase process. The PIN accessentry icon may be displayed as a result of the user entering a PINaccess number to purchase the media content instance, in accordance withthe rating of the movie. Alternative icons or warning notices ormessages alerting the user to PIN access entry requirements may also beemployed.

FIG. 11 is a screen diagram of an example archive information screen1100 resulting from the user selecting the “A” more information button1040 in prior example archive main screen 1000 in FIG. 10. Subtitleheader 1102 reflects the fact that the user is currently in the archiveinformation screen 1100. The user selects up arrow 1130 and down arrow1134 to advance highlighted list entry block 1126 in selection list 1124to the desired selection. Selection list 1124 includes the currentselections in the current medium, for example, DVD#1. Informationcorresponding to the selection in highlighted list entry block 1126 inthe selection list 1124 is displayed in the information display 1112 tothe right of selection list 1124. PRM content information comprises dataorganized into records of first database 481 (FIG. 4) with record fieldscontaining, but not limited to, information such as PRM content title,PRM content description, PRM genre, release year, casts or performerslist, ratings information, and play duration. PRM content informationalso includes a plurality of prices (shown below) for each PRM content,with each respective price associated with a different downloading timeand a download duration (shown below). PRM content information comprisesadditional information (not shown) such as a set of selectabledownloading times with their respective price and respective approximatedownload durations. The effective window of calendar days in whichrespective PRM content is purchasable may also be included. Additionalinformation may be included in aggregate fields to denote a PRM contentinstance rating and consequently support invoking parental control ofmedia content via the PIN entry screen. Other fields designateinformation about the person that purchased and recorded the mediacontent instance, the seller, the date purchased, the date recorded, andthe method of sale (i.e., PRM purchase). Note that additionalinformation about the highlighted selection in the selection list 1124is available by selecting the “A” button 1140 to gain access to links toadditional respective program related information such as programpreviews and the reviews and comments of critics. The user may selectthe “C” button 1144 to return to the archive main screen, for example,the archive main screen 1000 in FIG. 10, or the user may scroll toanother selection in the selection list 1124, or the user may decide tosearch or edit prior configurations by selecting the “B” edit/searchscreen button 1142, as described below.

FIG. 12 is a screen diagram of an example archive edit screen 1200 thatextends library functionality by enabling a user to enter and/or editcertain personal annotations such as the media content category, daterecorded, etc. Example archive edit screen 1200 includes header 1201 andsubtitle header 1202, which together reflect the fact that the currentscreen is an archive edit screen 1200. Example archive edit screen 1200includes a category display 1212 for displaying the current selectionson the current medium. Example archive edit screen 1200 also includes anedit list 1224, wherein the various categories that may be changed arelisted. Since the medium title is presumably a popular target formodification, it is the selection defaulted to. Also, since the currentarchive edit screen 1200 was invoked during the configuration for theDVD#1, DVD#1 is the highlighted default in the medium list 1222. Forexample, the user has selected “medium title” from the edit list 1224 asa category the user seeks to change. Using scroll arrows 1236, the useradvances to the medium list 1222, which is highlighted at the defaultselection of DVD#1 as described above. The user again uses scroll arrows1238 to advance to the input window 1220, wherein the user enters theirpersonal title, “John's Romantic Mix” according to well-known methodsfor entering alphanumeric input on a remote device. FIG. 13 is a screendiagram of an example edit screen 1300 responsive to the entry of John'sRomantic Mix” in the input window 1220 of FIG. 12, wherein the mediumtitle displayed in the category display 1312 reflects the change intitle.

FIG. 14 is a screen diagram of an example archive search screen 1400responsive to the user selecting the “A” search button 1340 in theexample archive edit screen 1300 of FIG. 13. Note the change in thesubtitle header 1402 reflecting the current screen purpose. Searchwindow 1424 enables the user to enter alphanumeric characters to searchfor media content or other information in any of the media available forsecondary storage device 414 (FIG. 4). The user may enter the name of atitle, or any of the PRM information and the result display 1412 willdisplay the information and in which medium it may be located.

To offer PRM service, in one implementation, the subscriber networktelevision system operator assigns a portion of the downstream andupstream bandwidth capacity in the subscriber network television systemto be dedicated for transmission of PRM content. The amount of bandwidthcapacity that can be allocated to the PRM service is finite. Grants forrequest to download PRM content may be limited during peak-time periodsthat correspond to high bandwidth consumption by a plurality of otherservices. On the other hand, off-peak-time periods may feature unusedbandwidth capacity intended for other services that can be repossessedfor downloading of PRM content.

In one embodiment, the amount of bandwidth capacity allocated for PRMservice varies throughout time to reflect bandwidth consumption by aplurality of bandwidth consuming services, including but not limited toVOD services. During peak periods of other bandwidth consuming servicessuch as, for example, video-on-demand (VOD), the amount of bandwidthcapacity allocated to the PRM service is less than during the off-peakperiods. Consequently, the duration for downloading a PRM contentinstance during peak-periods is typically longer than the duration fordownloading a PRM content instance during off-peak-periods. For example,video on demand off-peak periods may run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM duringthe first week of May. Accordingly, the DNCS 323 (FIG. 3) at the headend11 will allot bandwidth for downloading PRM content by repossessing theoff-peak bandwidth assigned to video on demand services via a pluralityof DTC 240 channels (FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, under coordination andcommunication between content manager 321 and PRM application server319, PRM content is transferred from PRM application server 319 or otherapplication servers (not shown) to VOD content server 322 via Ethernetconnection 332 to effect PRM content delivery over repossessed unusedbandwidth intended for VOD services. The DNCS 323 communicates thechannel location where unused bandwidth is repossessed to subscriberDHCTs requesting PRM services (i.e. subscribers who have electeddownloads of PRM content during these times) resulting in the tunersystem 445 (FIG. 4) of a requesting DHCT 16 to tune to the correspondingchannel to receive the downloadable PRM content.

In another embodiment of the invention, again referring to FIG. 3, undercoordination and communication between content manager 321 and PRMapplication server 319, purchased PRM content that resides in the PRMapplication server 319 or in other application servers are transmittedfor product delivery from the server wherein media content resides tothe BFS server 328 via Ethernet connection 332. A particular PRM contentinstance may reside indefinitely in BFS server 328 due to the highdemand of that particular content or content instance, or temporarilyduring times of unused BFS bandwidth. In another embodiment,introduction of new media content releases, such as games or audiocontent, may reside in the BFS server 328 for a finite period, such as amonth, starting from their introduction time. Alternatively, PRM contentmay reside in a BFS server 328 for periods of times in which BFS server328 exhibits unused bandwidth capacity.

According to one implementation, bandwidth allocation for PRM service ismanaged according to a series of recurring sub-schedules consisting of aplurality of non-overlapping time intervals as illustrated in FIG. 15.“N” sub-schedules are illustrated in FIG. 15, with the understandingthat a plurality of sub-schedules may appear between sub-schedule #1 andsub-schedule #n. Time intervals are demarcated by time marks 1510, 1520,etc on horizontal time axis 1505, and represent times within a 24 hourperiod. The interval between these time marks, such as between timemarks 1510 and 1520, represent a period during the 24 hour period, forexample, 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM. The time mark 1530, continuing theexample, would represent 5:00 AM, and its interval will span to timemark 1540, which may be 8:00 AM. The corresponding bandwidth allottedduring these time intervals is represented by the blocks over thecorresponding time intervals, such as block 1590 over the second timeinterval bordered between time marks 1510 and 1520. Allocated bandwidthgoes from, for example, zero 1501 at the intersection of the horizontaltime axis 1505 and vertical bandwidth axis 1507 in sub-schedule#1 toincreasing bandwidth when advancing up from zero 1501. Preferably, thetime intervals vary in length and are established with demarcationaccording to collected historical data of bandwidth consumption patternsfor a plurality of services. Allocation of bandwidth capacity may varybetween one time interval to the next. Pricing for each respective PRMcontent instance may or may not vary in each of the respective timeintervals according to whether the time interval is a peak period ornot. For example, during peak periods, such as 6:00 to 10:59 P.M. of theweek nights, the recurring schedule may exhibit higher pricing for PRMservices whereas during certain, low-demand time periods such as 6:00 to11:00 A.M. of the weekend days the pricing will be lower. As disclosedbelow, other factors such as demand for new releases and popular mediacontent may also influence pricing. Therefore, allocation of bandwidthcapacity for PRM services may be configured to adapt in a time-specificmanner according to a plan.

The allocated bandwidth PRM services may be configured to switch as timeprogresses from a first allocation sub-schedule to a second allocationsub-schedule according to a main schedule that specifies the timeinterval when each of two or more sub-schedules is to be active asillustrated in FIG. 16. As noted in FIG. 16, the plan may consist, inone embodiment, of scheduling for the year with multiple schedules 1610,further administered with fewer schedules on a per week basis 1620, andadministered with even fewer schedules on a daily basis 1630. Forexample, only one configurable sub-schedule is active at a timethroughout the configurable recurring schedule but a first configurablesub-schedule may be active throughout one or more distinct andnon-overlapping time intervals of the configurable recurring schedule.The recurrence of the schedule is configured to one of a plurality oftime periods such as a weekly, daily, or a monthly recurring schedule.

According to another possible bandwidth allocation schedule, amultiplicity of time-adaptive schedules for each of a multiplicity ofrecurring schedule choices are pre-configured. In this embodiment, thecable system operator may monitor the bandwidth and PRM service usageand be given the option of manually implementing one of thepre-configured allocation schedules without following a plan.

Alternatively, the DNCS 323 (FIG. 3) may automatically monitor bandwidthusage and automatically select one of the pre-configured schedules. Forinstance, six different configurations may be available fortime-adaptive management of the bandwidth allocated for PRM services fora daily recurring schedule. On the other hand, more than six differentarrangements may be necessary when implementing time-adaptive bandwidthmanagement on a weekly recurring schedule.

The pricing system and the allocated bandwidth are inherently related,as the price structure will depend on, among other factors, the time ofthe download and the duration of the download. In a subscriber networktelevision system that markets PRM content with a plurality of prices, afirst subscriber may be willing to pay a premium to immediately downloada PRM content instance that is purchased during a peak-period. A secondsubscriber pays a lesser purchase fee when purchasing a PRM contentinstance during a peak-period but selecting to downloaded the purchasedPRM content instance at a later time corresponding to an off-peakperiod. In one embodiment, the PRM service offers a plurality of pricesfor a PRM content instance, and each respective price is associated witha different downloading time and a download duration.

In one implementation wherein VOD excess bandwidth capacity is employedto fulfill a PRM content instance purchase request, and with continuedreference to FIGS. 3 & 4, a “session” between the DHCT 16 and the PRMapplication server 319 is set throughout the course of downloading thePRM content instance. Upon the subscriber purchasing a PRM contentinstance for a price via the displayed user interface (i.e. thesubscriber enters input via an input device and such input may comprisea password or PIN to authenticate authorization to purchase the PRMcontent instance), as will be described below in greater detail, apurchase transaction is executed by the processor 444, as configured bythe PRM application 477, that causes a session to be set-up betweensubscriber network television system resources to the DHCT 16. Asfacilitated by session manager 334 in DNCS 323 (FIG. 3), a session is alogical entity used to define a connection between the DHCT 16 and theVOD content server 322 and the resources used to maintain thatconnection in the subscriber network television system. Session manager334 coordinates and effects the signaling required to implement thesession which is preferably defined by the MPEG-2 standard ISO/IEC13818-6 IS (MPEG-2 DSM-CC). Upon a session setup request generated bythe DHCT 16 (usually in response to a request from a subscriber), theDNCS 323 verifies the eligibility of the DHCT 16 to receive the PRMservice. The amount of bandwidth that will be reserved for the durationof the PRM service session is communicated to the relevant servers andheadend 11 components. Via the messaging capabilities of DNCS 323, thePRM application server 319 sends a message to the DHCT 16 that indicatesthat it is ready to begin delivering the video content using theresources allocated. The DHCT 16 receives information in the messageidentifying the QAM modulator that is transmitting the video content(and hence where to tune to receive the requested content) and thebandwidth allocated to deliver the service. After a session has beenestablished, the DHCT 16 communicates directly with the PRM applicationserver 319 to facilitate delivery of the requested PRM service.Throughout the course of time that a PRM service is active, furthermessaging is conducted between the respective DHCT 16 receiving the PRMcontent and the PRM application server 319 to monitor the status of thesession.

There are a variety of options available to the user for purchasing PRMcontent. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the user ispresented with an interactive program guide (IPG) 1770 which has PRMicons next to varied media content selections, suggesting to the userthe availability of a downloadable and recordable option for thoseselections, as indicated in FIG. 17. The icons, and their screencoordinates, can be stored locally as an attribute in each program (i.e.media content) record, like stereo or second audio program (SAP)attributes. The program records can be stored in a database in the DHCT16, for example an EPG database or first PRM database 481.Alternatively, the program records can be maintained at the headend 11.Any application can display the icon after, for example, the programtitle in the applications' GUI presentation (e.g. IPG application 1770).For example, selections Saving Private Ryan and American History underthe PPV category 1776 have icon “CD/DVD” next to them suggesting to theuser that these selections are available for downloading to a recordablemedium, such as a CD or DVD. In another embodiment, the user may bepresented with a service guide (SG) option 1876 such as the example IPG1890 depicted in FIG. 18. Upon selecting the service guide (SG) option1876, the user is presented with service selections in a service guide(SG) as illustrated in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a screen diagram of anexample user service guide (SG) that provides for a plurality ofservices 1956 with CD/DVD icons to alert the user to the ability (orinability) to purchase recordable media content. For example, the CD/DVDicon next to the PPV 1957, VOD 1958, Music 1959, software 1960, andGames 1965 services suggests to the user that these services includeselections that are downloadable to a recordable medium. Alternatively,the PRM service 2075 may be a selectable service entity, as illustratedin FIG. 20. Selecting the PRM service 2075 from the service guide 2050may present various media content options that are purchasable recordedmedia content, categorized, for example, in media content categoriessuch as music, movies, software, etc. FIG. 21 is a screen diagram of anexample VOD selection screen display 2170 responsive to the userentering the VOD catalog selection 1958 in the example service guide1950 in FIG. 19. A similarly formatted screen may be presented, forexample, if the user selects from the service guide 1950 (in FIG. 19) aPPV selection 1957, or music selection 1959, or software selection 1960.Referring to FIG. 21, the user is presented with a screen display 2111that includes a select button 2176, which provides the user the abilityto rent or purchase the highlighted selection 2173. By pressing theselect button 2176, the user is presented with a user interface screen(not shown) that provides the user with an option to either download(purchase) the selected item for recording and thus for indefinitepersonal possession (i.e. buy), or rent. The PRM service is alsointegrated into the VOD catalog, in one embodiment, as another option(like price). In one implementation, the system operator may choose whatVOD content is available for PRM service and then programs the headend11 accordingly. In another implementation, the content provider mayoffer certain VOD content with PRM service, which is then a featureprovided to the user through the headend 11. Once the user selects thedownload option (not shown), the user will be presented with the examplePRM service screen illustrated in FIG. 23, and which will be describedbelow. Note that the screen display 2111 also includes an informationbutton 2177, which enables the user to learn more about the selectionthey seek to purchase or rent. If the user selects rent, conventionalVOD processing occurs.

Another segue into the pricing system may be by way of an impulsepurchase made available during the presentation of a particular mediacontent instance. For example, the user may presented with a pop-upmessage anytime during the presentation of a VOD movie or a PPV event,which asks the user if he or she would be interested in purchasing thisevent as PRM content. The pop-up message may occur as an overlay onpresented media content in the display screen, or the media contentpresentation window may narrow to allow the message to appear, or anyother manner to present the message on the display screen.

Once the user has decided on a media content selection for downloading,either by entering a selection in an IPG, a service guide, or during thepresentation of a particular media content instance as part of animpulse purchase, the user is presented with an example purchase screen2200, as illustrated in FIG. 22. In one embodiment, this purchase screen2200 may be invoked as a mini-program located within the PRM application477 “called” by another application, for example, during a VOD sessionwhen the user has selected the purchase option over the rental option,or during a media content instance presentation from a service upon theuser requesting an impulse buy. Alternatively, PRM application 477functionality may exist as a sub-routine within the current mediaservice application in session. Alternatively, PRM functionality mayexist as software in the headend 11. Purchase screen 2200 includes titleheader 2201 identifying the media service from which the PRM contentinstance will be purchased. Subtitle header 2202 suggests the purpose ofthe purchase screen 2200, which is to select download and price options.The reduced screen area 2212 displays an image from the media content tobe purchased. Assuming that the movie selection was Titanic, a pictureof a representative scene for the highlighted movie may be presented.Similarly, pictures of representative spreadsheets from a softwareselected may be displayed, or a picture of a song artist may bedisplayed for the music selection, all mentioned by way of example.Information section 2210 contains some characterizing information aboutthe media content purchase, including but not limited to media contenttitle, date of composition, rating, download time, and availablepurchase window. Content quality index 2220 provide the user withcontent quality options, such as, for example, high definitiontelevision or standard definition, surround sound, etc. As with otheruser interface screens described previously, the user preferablyadvances highlighted window 2222 over a window 2224 containing thedesired content quality by using left scroll arrow 2226 or right scrollarrow 2228. Selections preferably advance until an end is reached in thelist, or alternatively, selections may “wrap-around” in a manner wherebythe selections repeat themselves. Download option list 2246 containsdownload options. The user advances the highlighted list entry block2240 over the list entry block 2242 containing the desired downloadoption by using up arrow 2262 and down arrow 2268, and a correspondingprice for that option and content quality is displayed in the pricewindow 2260. The user presses the select button 2264 to purchase thedesired selection. The user may select the “B” more movie informationbutton 2230 to learn more details about the movie the user is about topurchase. The user may also select the “C” movie purchases button 2232to return to the main media content screen, for a example, the VODcatalog screen as illustrated in FIG. 21, to consider other moviepurchases.

The price assigned to each available download option may depend on anumber of factors. Demand for a PRM content instance such as for newreleases and popular media content instances may influence pricing. Theamount of bandwidth consumed to download the PRM content instance (andhence the download duration), the time of day, the day of the week(weekday, weekend, or holiday), and the amount of time that thesubscriber has to wait until the downloading operation starts alsoinfluence the price. Other factors influencing pricing of a PRM contentinstance include the PRM content type (e.g., audio, movie, or game), thePRM content quality (e.g., CD quality or surround sound quality audio;standard or high-definition picture quality), and the delivery mode(e.g., repossessed VOD excess bandwidth or via BFS services). Forexample, in the example purchase screen 2200 of FIG. 22, the userhighlights an immediate download option, but with a latent durationending an hour from the purchase as noted in download option list 2246.Further, the user has indicated a desire for high definition video withstandard sound as indicated by the highlighted content quality window2222. Price window 2260 shows that the resultant price for this priceconfiguration is $9.99.

FIG. 23 is a screen diagram that illustrates an example purchase screen2300 wherein the user has selected a longer download duration thatencroaches on a traditionally off-peak time for VOD, for example, earlymorning. An 8:00 AM download is highlighted in download option list 2346with the same content quality as the prior screen. As noted, the pricefor the purchase, as displayed in price window 2360 decreasessignificantly from the prior highlighted option in FIG. 22. Also notethe increase in the download duration as shown in the informationsection 2310, as the download in this option is allowed to “trickle” tothe requesting DHCT 16. FIG. 24 illustrates an example purchase screen2400 for the same download option as that shown for FIG. 23, but withthe user scrolling to and highlighting in content quality index 2420 astandard definition, standard sound option. The result, as displayed inthe price window 2460, is an even lower price than the high definitionstandard sound option highlighted in the prior purchase screen 2300, dueto the lower bandwidth requirement of standard definition videodownloads when compared to high definition downloads. FIG. 25 is ascreen diagram of an example purchase screen 2500 that illustratesanother download option, wherein the download will not begin until 8:00AM, typically a low demand period for VOD, but it will be immediatestarting at 8:00 AM. FIG. 26 is a screen diagram of an example purchasescreen 2600 that illustrates another download option wherein thedownload begins later, and is of longer duration than the prior downloadoption illustrated in example purchase screen 2500 in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a screen diagram of an example purchase screen 2700 thatillustrates the trial purchase option. The purpose of the trial purchaseis to promote “teaser” sales. With reference to FIG. 6 and continuedreference to FIG. 27, a trial purchase includes the receipt to theprimary storage device 413 (FIG. 4) of the DHCT 16 of an entire mediacontent instance, such as but not limited to music, video, or software,and then the subsequent transfer to the secondary storage device 414(FIG. 4) for a limited time period. The secondary storage device 414(FIG. 4) medium, either a CD or DVD, is time stamped for validdecryption only for a specified time period. The content would continueto reside on the storage medium but could not be used. For example, thedownloaded trial purchase may be encrypted in a manner that allows forthe primary storage device 413 to read the decrypted PRM content, but isprevented from being downloaded to the secondary storage device 414. Astime stamping is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art,further discussion need not be presented. Trial purchases could be usedto promote teaser sales. As with any purchase, parental controls, suchas, by way of non-limiting example a PIN entry screen, would beimplemented, as described below.

FIG. 28 is a screen diagram depicting an example PIN entry window 2800that is presented to the user after the user selects a download andcontent quality selection in one of the prior example purchase screens,such as, for example, example purchase screen 2600 of FIG. 26. A PINEntry window 2800 is employed during the purchase of a PRM contentinstance to authenticate authorization to purchase and exercise parentalcontrol of purchases. The top portion 2810 contains the heading “PINENTRY” while the bottom portion 2820 illustrates relevant navigationbuttons available on the remote control device 480 (FIG. 4). A user canenter his or her PIN using the remote control device 480 (FIG. 4) whilebeing presented with the PIN entry window 2800. Center portion 2830contains entry fields 2840 that display a “*” for every PIN entryreceived from the user. In an alternative embodiment a user is notpresented with a PIN entry screen and is not required to enter a PIN. Inyet another alternative embodiment, a user is only presented with a PINentry screen if the selected download can be achieved. FIG. 29 is ascreen diagram of an example screen display 2900 denying the user frompurchasing the selected content, for example, a VOD selection. FIG. 30is a screen diagram of an example screen display 3000 acknowledging thepurchase of the selection, and providing the user the opportunity toaccept or cancel.

FIG. 31 is a screen diagram depicting an example barker screen 3100resulting when a particular subscriber request for a PRM contentinstance cannot be fulfilled for lack of available bandwidth or otherreasons. This screen 3100 may be presented after the user makes a PINentry, or alternatively, after the user makes their download and contentselections. Top portion 3151 contains a heading describing the problemto the user, a bottom portion 3152 illustrating relevant navigationbutton(s) available on the remote control device 480 (FIG. 4), and a topcenter portion 3153 which provides the user with a message, for example:“SORRY, PRM SERVICE IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. SELECT AN AVAILABLE OPTIONOR “C” TO CANCEL”. Download option list 3154 provides the user with alist of available download options and their content quality and price.As described earlier, communication occurs between the PRM clientapplication and the PRM application server 319 when content isdownloaded to maintain the status of the download. Errors or abortedattempts at the download of PRM content is thus known at the PRM clientapplication 477, resulting in the generation of the example barkerscreen 3100 of FIG. 31. Alternatively, this screen can be generated atthe headend 11. The PRM client application 477 will also generate thedownload option list 3154 as part of the example barker 311 according tothe mechanisms used to initially generate the download options for thePRM purchase screens, such as example purchase screen 2200 (FIG. 22).The user may use up arrow 3164 or down arrow 3164 to advance thehighlighted window 3166 over the option window 3168 containing thedesired download option. The user may then enter their selection bypressing the select button 3162. Example barker 3100 is sent from thePRM application server 319 (FIG. 3) notifying the subscriber that theirrequest could not be fulfilled. Alternatively, the unavailability of theselected PRM during the selected download times may be communicated bythe PRM application server 319 (FIG. 3) to the PRM client application477 (FIG. 4), wherein the PRM client application 477 (FIG. 4) generatesthis example barker 3100. Alternatively, a screen may be presented suchthat the user is presented with a button to select alternative downloadoptions from the one of the purchase screens described and illustratedabove. Alternatively, a subscriber may be asked to accept a PRM contentinstance over a longer download duration but at the same price as aresult of lack of bandwidth capacity or lack of VOD bandwidthavailability for reuse. Consequently, upon subscriber consent, the PRMapplication server 319 (FIG. 3) employs other available bandwidthcapacity using in-band or out-of-band BFS services or a combinationthereof. Numerous unique combinations of PRM content delivery may beemployed when lacking bandwidth resources.

Note that the preferred embodiment of the invention is not limited tosystems of diversified media content or diversified media. In otherembodiments, the archiving aspect of the preferred embodiment can beused where media content of one type is present, or where the choice ofmedia for receipt of the media content is of one type.

The DNCS 323 operating software and the PRM application client 477 whichcomprise an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium foruse by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system,or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport theprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, forexample but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device,or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) ofthe computer-readable medium would include the following: an electricalconnection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), aread-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory) (magnetic), an optical fiber (optical),or a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note thatthe computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitablemedium upon which the program is printed, as the program can beelectronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paperor other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in asuitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

It is emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the presentinvention, particularly any “preferred embodiments”, are merely possibleexamples of the implementations, among others, that are merely set forthfor a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications andvariations may be made to the embodiments of the present invention, asset forth above, without departing substantially from the principles ofthe present invention. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure andpresent invention and protected by the following claims.

Therefore, having thus described the invention, at least the followingis claimed:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving at a client device apurchase acknowledgment that is communicated to a user of the clientdevice, the purchase acknowledgment corresponding to a one-time purchasefor indefinite use of an instance of purchasable and recordable media(PRM); receiving characterization information about the purchasedinstance; and providing a graphics user interface (GUI) subsequent toreceipt of the purchase acknowledgement and prior to the download on thePRM, the GUI comprising three groups of entries, each group defaultingto an initial entry prior to user selection of an entry, wherein thedefault initial entries are automatically distinguished from the otherentries, the distinguished entries based on the characterizationinformation, wherein a first group of the three groups of entriescomprises candidate categories and a second group of the three groups ofentries comprises candidate subcategories of the candidate categoriesand a third group of entries comprises further related candidate mediaselections, wherein one of the candidates from each group becomes anactual category, an actual subcategory, and an actual media selectionupon user selection, and wherein one or more of the candidate categoriesare candidate categories created by the client and wherein one or moreof the candidate categories are candidate subcategories created by theclient.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving theinstance from a remote server.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinproviding the GUI comprises providing at a time prior to receiving theinstance at the client device.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereinproviding the GUI comprises providing at a time after receiving theinstance completely.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprisingtransferring the received instance from a primary storage device to asecond storage device, the secondary storage device capable of storingremovable mediums.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein providing the GUIcomprises providing at a time corresponding to the transfer from theprimary storage device to the secondary storage device.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the candidate categories correspond to content type andthe candidate subcategories correspond to genre.
 8. The method of claim1, further comprising receiving the instance in encrypted format.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving the instance incompressed format.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portionof the entries is user configurable.
 11. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving the instance at the client device, the clientdevice comprising a personal computer, wherein providing comprisesproviding at a display associated with the personal computer.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising transferring the receivedinstance to a secondary storage device over a home communicationsnetwork.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the distinguished entrycomprises a highlighted border surrounding a text entry.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising a third group of entries corresponding tochoice of media corresponding to a secondary storage device, thesecondary storage device comprising one or more removable media forstoring the purchased instance for indefinite possession, the thirdgroup of entries presented concurrently in the GUI along with the twogroups of entries.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein an entry in thethird group of entries is distinguished based on the entriesdistinguished in the first and second groups.
 16. The method of claim14, wherein an entry in the third group of entries is distinguishedbased on user selection.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprisingreceiving and downloading the purchased instance to the secondarystorage device corresponding to a selected entry in the third group. 18.A system, comprising: a memory configured to receive a purchaseacknowledgment, the purchase acknowledgment corresponding to a one-timepurchase for indefinite use of an instance of purchasable and recordablemedia (PRM), and further configured to receive characterizationinformation about the purchased instance; a processor configured toaccess the characterization information and populate a graphics userinterface (GUI) with three groups of entries, a second of the threegroups a related subgroup of a first of the three groups each groupdefaulting to an initial entry prior to user selection of an entry,wherein the default initial entries are distinguished from non-defaultentries; and a secondary storage device capable of storing pluralportable media, the processor further configured to receive thepurchased instance in a portable medium of the secondary storage devicecorresponding to a selected entry of the third group.
 19. A system,comprising: means for receiving a purchase acknowledgment, the purchaseacknowledgment corresponding to a one-time purchase for indefinite useof an instance of purchasable and recordable media (PRM); means forreceiving characterization information about the purchased instance; andmeans for providing a graphics user interface (GUI), the GUI comprisingtwo groups of entries, each group defaulting to an initial entry priorto user selection of an entry, wherein the default initial entries areautomatically distinguished from the other entries, the distinguishedentries based on the characterization information, wherein selection ofan entry in one of the two groups causes an entry in the other of thetwo groups to be highlighted.